If you're looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish packed with bold flavors, this Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice recipe will become a family favorite. Combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, rice, and melty cheese, all layered together with tangy enchilada sauce, this casserole is a perfect blend of spicy and savory. Plus, it's easy to make and even easier to serve. Read on to discover the full step-by-step recipe, helpful tips, and how to ensure the perfect casserole every time!
What is a Beef Enchilada Casserole?
A Beef Enchilada Casserole is a simplified, layered version of traditional enchiladas. Instead of rolling tortillas around fillings, you combine all the classic enchilada ingredients in one baking dish, making it a time-saving alternative while keeping all the bold flavors intact. The addition of rice adds extra heartiness to the dish, turning it into a complete meal on its own.
Ingredients List for Beef Enchilada Casserole
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef: Use lean ground beef for the best results, ensuring your casserole isn't too greasy.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the flavor profile with its aromatic, savory quality.
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes: Provides moisture and a tangy sweetness to the dish.
- 10.75 oz can red enchilada sauce: The star ingredient that adds bold, spicy, and tangy flavor.
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds protein and a hearty texture.
- 15 oz can corn, drained: Offers a sweet crunch that pairs well with the other ingredients.
- 1 cup cooked rice: The rice acts as a neutral base that soaks up all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning: A versatile Cajun seasoning blend that adds a kick of heat and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds warmth and spice without overwhelming heat.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Provides an earthy, nutty flavor that complements the chili powder.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Amplifies the garlic flavor in the dish without overpowering it.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and sharpness.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional, but it will bring an extra level of heat to your casserole.
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Rich, melty cheese that brings everything together.
- ⅓ cup chopped cilantro: Freshness to cut through the richness of the dish.
- ¼ cup sliced green onions: Adds a final touch of flavor and a pop of color when serving.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is very adaptable, and you can easily make substitutions to suit your dietary needs or preferences:
- Ground turkey or chicken: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Brown rice or quinoa: Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
- Vegetarian option: Omit the ground beef and double the amount of black beans or use a plant-based ground meat substitute.
- Milder version: If you’re not a fan of spicy foods, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and chili powder.
- Cheese options: You can use Monterey Jack, Colby, or even Pepper Jack for a spicier kick if you prefer.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it's fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and garlic. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Add Beans, Corn, and Rice: Mix in the black beans, corn, and cooked rice. Stir everything until well combined and heated through.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of the enchilada sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. Add half of the beef mixture over the sauce. Then, pour half of the remaining enchilada sauce on top. Sprinkle ¾ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining beef mixture, enchilada sauce, and cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle the casserole with chopped cilantro and green onions. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving to let the casserole set.
How to Cook Beef Enchilada Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Beef Enchilada Casserole is as simple as layering flavors and baking them until bubbly perfection. By browning the ground beef and layering it with beans, corn, rice, enchilada sauce, and cheese, you ensure each bite is packed with flavor. Baking the dish allows the cheese to melt perfectly and the flavors to meld together, creating a dish that's both comforting and satisfying.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the rice pre-cooking: Always use pre-cooked rice, as it won’t cook further in the oven. Adding raw rice can result in a crunchy and undercooked casserole.
- Overcooking the beef: Browning the beef too long will dry it out, making the casserole less juicy.
- Not draining the beans or corn: Excess moisture from the beans or corn can make your casserole watery. Always drain and rinse them before adding.
- Under-seasoning: Don’t forget to taste your beef mixture before assembling the casserole. Adjust seasoning if needed to ensure every layer is packed with flavor.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When serving your Beef Enchilada Casserole, you can enhance its appeal with a few simple presentation ideas:
- Top with fresh ingredients: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, green onions, or even a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and a pop of color.
- Serve with sides: Pair your casserole with classic Mexican sides like guacamole, sour cream, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
- Add a squeeze of lime: Fresh lime juice squeezed over the casserole right before serving adds a bright, zesty contrast to the rich, cheesy layers.
- Corn or tortilla chips: Serve alongside crispy corn chips or warm tortillas for added texture and an authentic touch.
Presentation Ideas for Beef Enchilada Casserole
- Colorful toppings: Bright green cilantro and sliced green onions contrast beautifully with the golden, melty cheese. You can also add diced avocado or a sprinkle of crumbled Cotija cheese for extra flair.
- Serve in individual portions: After baking, divide the casserole into squares or portions and serve on individual plates. This gives a neat and structured presentation, especially for dinner parties.
- Bake in a decorative dish: Use a beautiful ceramic or cast-iron baking dish that can go from oven to table for an effortlessly stylish presentation.
Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe Tips
- Meal prep: This dish is perfect for meal prepping! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just extend the baking time by about 10 minutes if baking from cold.
- Make it extra cheesy: For those who love cheese, you can mix some of the shredded cheese into the beef and rice mixture before layering for an even cheesier casserole.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze the Beef Enchilada Casserole?
A: Yes! You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. If freezing leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, portion it into individual servings, and freeze.
Q: Can I use green enchilada sauce instead of red?
A: Absolutely! Green enchilada sauce will give the casserole a tangier, slightly milder flavor. It's a great variation if you prefer less heat or want to change things up.
Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply ensure that the enchilada sauce you're using is gluten-free, and you're good to go. Most canned enchilada sauces are gluten-free, but it's always a good idea to check the label.
Q: How can I make this casserole spicier?
A: To up the spice level, add more red pepper flakes, use a spicier enchilada sauce, or mix in diced jalapeños with the beef mixture.
Q: What type of cheese works best for this casserole?
A: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds great flavor, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a Mexican cheese blend. For an extra kick, try using Pepper Jack.
Conclusion
This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice is the perfect weeknight dinner, combining all the rich, zesty flavors of enchiladas in an easy-to-make, layered casserole. With a step-by-step guide, ingredient substitutions, and helpful tips, this recipe ensures a foolproof, delicious dish that will impress your family and guests alike. Whether you're meal prepping, serving a crowd, or just looking for a comforting meal, this casserole will not disappoint. So grab your ingredients, follow the guide, and enjoy every flavorful bite!
PrintBeef Enchilada Casserole With Rice Recipe
This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice recipe is a savory and filling dish, combining seasoned ground beef, rice, black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, and cheddar cheese. Easy to make, it's perfect for a family dinner, and it's packed with flavor from chili powder, cumin, and garlic. Top with cilantro and green onions for a fresh touch. Ideal for those seeking a simple and flavorful Mexican-inspired meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 10.75 ounce can red enchilada sauce
- 15 ounce can black beans, drained, rinsed
- 15 ounce can corn, drained
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ⅓ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic until beef is cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and cooked rice.
- Season with Slap Ya Mama seasoning, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use a mix of cheeses for extra flavor.
- Add jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
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